Collapsible boat



Jana fl'i', 1950 c, JONES 2,494,763

COLLAPSIBLE BOAT Filed Dec. 23, 1946 2 Sheets-Sheet l Fatented Jan. 17, 1950 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE COLLAPSI BLE BOAT Clarence R. Jones, Dayton, Ohio Application December 23, 1946, Serial No. 718,019

13 Claims. 9-2) This invention relates to a collapsible boat and is intended primarily for the use of hunters, fishermen, and others who may desire a boat which can be transported in an automobile, or the like.

One object of the invention is to provide a. boat of light weight which can be collapsed into a small compact bundle.

A further object of the invention is to provide a telescoping boat which may be quickly and easily extended to its full length and the joints tight- 1y sealed.

A further object of the invention is to provide such a boat the sections of which have interengaging parts which are brought into locking and sealing relation by the movement of the sections to their extended positions.

A further object of the invention is to provide such a boat in which interlocking connection between the sections is efiected by the movement of the sections to their extended positions.

A further object of the invention is to provide such a boat having extensible means in the individual sections to exert pressure on adjacent sections to secure thesections in extended positions.

Other objects of the invention may the boat is described in detail.

In the accompanying drawings Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a boat embodying the invention; Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section taken through the rear section and the next adjacent section; Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the boat in its fully collapsed condition; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the end portions of two adjacent sections showing the same in separated positions; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the interlocked portions of the side walls of two sections; Fig. 6 is a vertical longitudinal section taken through two ad jacent sections; and Fig. 7 is a detail of one of the latches.

In these drawings I have illustrated one embodiment of the invention and have shown the same as comprising a plurality of sections adapted to be collapsed one into the other, and having means whereby the several sections may be locked in their extended positions and tightly sealed. In the present instance the boat comprises four sections, M. II, l2, and I3, the side walls of the several sections converging forwardly, the rear end of each forward section being of a width slightly less than the width of the next rearward section to permit it to be moved into said next rearward section, thus enabling all the sections to be telescoped into the rearmost section Ill, as shown in Fig. 3. Each section comprises upright appear as 2 side walls l4 and bottom walls l5 which, in the present instance, are substantially flat. The rearmost section 10 is closed at its rear end by an upright wall l6 and the foremost section [3 is closed at its front end by a wall I 1, the end walls being preferably formed in one piece with the respective sections. The intermediate sections, II and [2, are also formed, respectively, in one piece, thus the several sections may be formed by pressing or otherwise from light weight material such as aluminum or a suitable plastic material. Preferably the sections are formed of relatively thin sheet metal of light weight so that the boat as a whole will be of such a weight that it can be easily handled by one person either in its extended or collapsed form.

The several sections are provided at their adjacent ends with inter-engaging parts whichare adapted to be brought into inter-engaging relation when the several sections are extended, and to be rigidly secured and tightly sealed in said inter-engaging positions. Preferably the side walls of each section except theforemost section have their forward portionsbent inwardly and rearwardly as shown at l8 to form inwardly and rearwardly facing channels. Likewise each section except the foremost section has at the forward end of its bottom "wall an upwardly extending part such as'a flange I9. The side walls of each section except the rearmost section have their rear end portions bent outwardly and :forwardly as shown at to form outwardly and forwardly facing channelsadapted to have interlocking engagement with the channels 18 of the next rearward section. The bottom wall of each section except the rearmost section has at its rear end an upwardly and downwardly bent portion 2| to form a downwardly facing channel adapted to receive the flange I9 'at the forward end of the bottom of the next rearward section. When the several sections are extended from the collapsed position shown in Fig. 3 the outwardly extending channel portions of the forward sections engage the inner sides of the converging walls of the adjacent rearward sections and are guided into engagement with the inwardly facing channel portions of said rearward sections, thus positively connecting the several sections, the several sections being retained in these extended positions as will hereinafter appear.

Arranged between the interlocking portions of the respective sections is a suitable sealing medium and preferably the channels are lined with a relatively thick liner of a compressible sealing material 22, suchas sponge rubber; Either or both of the upright channels of the side walls may be provided with this lining material.

Means are provided for locking the several sections in their extended positions and for compressing the sealing medium in the several joints. For this purpose I prefer to provide a separate extensible device in each section adapted to be interposed between fixed parts of that section and an adjacent section. In the present construction this extensible device is in the nature of a floor board comprising two parts, 23 and 25, hinged one to the other at 2-5 for movement about a transverse horizontal axis and adapted to have a toggle action. The floor board is removable and foldable for transportation and storage. When the sections have been extended the floor board is inserted in the section in which it belongs with the two parts, 23 and 24, thereof" inclined upwardly toward the hinge. In this position the part 23 is placed in engagement with a rigid part of the section and the part 24 isplacedin-engagement with the. rigid part of an adj acent. section sothat'when the central portion of the floor board is depressedito a horizontal position. pressure will be exerted in opposite directions onthe respective. sections as to lock those sections in their. extendedi positions and to compress the sealing medium. In the particular arrangement shown the part 23 of the floor board in the rearmost section ll} engages the rear wall. iii of that section, and the part lt of the floor board. engages theraised or channel-shaped portion ofthe next forward section. The floor board is preferably of a width approximating. the width of the section in which it is placed but it may be of any desired width. Suitable means are provided for. locking the two partsof the floor board in their horizontal positions and this means is here shown as a latch 25; pivotally mounted on the member 23 and adapted to engage a headed stud it on the part 24". It is also desirable thatmeans should be provided for securing the fioor'board to the bottom of theboat. In the arrangement shown the floor board-is .spaced above the bottom of the; boat section, as by: depending ribs 28:, and is. provided at its ends with relatively thickiportions 29 and to engage the respective fixed partsof the two sections. Thev rear. wall-.of the rearmost section. 3 b is providedwith one orv more forwardly extendingnangesor lugs beneath whiclrthe rear end of the floor board. is inserted. The forward end ofthe floorboard is connected with the bottom of the section". by a latch. carried by the forward portion of the floor board and adaptedto engage a. keeper onthe bottom of the As here shownthe keeper is in the nature of an. apertured-lug fizi rigidly secured to the bottom. and'the latch comprises a horizontal portion 33. adapted to enter the kee er and upwardly extending part 3:! having a-head' 35 slidably supported. on the part 2 of the: floor board; which is provided with a slot through which the upright part of the latch extends-and which isprovide'd with a shoulder 3? on which the beadBFiis-slidably supported; Thus the latch easilv: actuated from above the floor board to connect the latter with or disconnect the same from the bottom of the section. If de red the forward end of. one floor board may be provided with a recess adapted to receive a stud 39 extending, rearwardly fromv the: floor" board: in the adjacent section and thus 50' position the part'z of the floor-board that the latch will be in alinement-with the keeper. Therear. end of eachfioor board in front. of the: rearmostfloor board en;-

gages the raised portion 2| of the section in which it is mounted and is locked to the bottom of its section by connecting it with the forward end of the next rearward floor board. The locking means shown comprises a casing 40 rigidly secured to the rear end of the forward floor board and having mounted therein a slide bolt 4! adapted to be projected beyond the rear end of that floor board and into a keeper or keepers 42 at the forward end of the'nextrearward floor board. The forward thrust on the several sections will maintain the sealing medium firmly compressed but to prevent the relative displacement of the upright channelled portions l8 and 29, as by the bending of one or both of the side walls, I have shown the same as provided with apertures to receive bolts 43 which are preferably provided with thumb nuts, 44.

The boat may if desired be provided with oar looks but usually such a. boat will be propelled by apaddle. The rearmost section may be. provided with a seat, and as shown. in Fig. 1 the seat 45 is removably supported on brackets 45 secured to the inner. sides of. the side and rear walls .of the rear section.

Aboat constructed in accordance with the. disclosure is of light weight, canbevery-quickly, and easily. collapsedinto a-small bundle which can. be easily carried in. a passenger automobile, and when. extended .is of a. strong .rigidconstruction, and the joints thereof are tightly sealed- When the boat is. to be collapsed therear ends of the several sectionsare successively lifted to-clearthe flanges on the rearward sections and. thus permit each-forward section to. be moved intothe next rearward section until alL- theiforward-a sections are inithe. rearmost. section. When-the boat is. to be extended the foremost section is drawn forw-ardly and causes eachzof the-intermediate. sections to be drawn forwardly until the bottom channels drop, intoengagement with-theirespective flanges l9;.and;theside channelsrarednzinterlock-ing; engagement. The: floor boards; are thenplaced .in-the respective sections and extended to lock and seal the connections between-the sections. The; floor. board: for the front section has no locking actionbut'is plaoed. within. the section, which is provid'ed. with-a. lug; orbracket fl-to overhangthe'forwardend thereof androtain it. in. place;

While I. have. shown and: described one. embodimentof. my invention, I wish it tobe under;- stood: thatLI donot. desire. toibe. limited to :the details thereof various modifications .may. occur to. a personv skilled in the. art;

Havi-ng'now fuilydescribed'my invention, what I claim: as new and. desire.- to: secure by-Letters Patent is:

l; A collapsible. boat comprisinga: plurality of transverse sections hat .g bottmnlandi side walls; each forward section: being: movable into engagement with. the centtitearwarc ction, the bottom and side walls? of. adj'a cent' sections having opposed. parts arranged to. have inter; locking connection when the'forward' ection; is fullyextended', sealing means'ibetwee. said inter;- locking parts; and separatelyxoperable.extensible devices supported between." opposed. parts of. the sections of. each pair of adjacent sections to move the: respective sections opposite direce tions and firmly" connect: and tightly: seal the same.

2. A: collapsible-boat comprising. a plurality of telescoping sections; each section. having bottom and. side walls;. the bottom wall. of; one. of two assage adjacent sections having at the forward end thereof an upwardly extending flange and the side walls of said section having forward end portions thereof turned inwardly and rearwardly to form rearwardly facing channels, the bottom wall of the second of said adjacent sections having adjacent its rear end a downwardly facing channel to receive the flange on the first mentioned bottom wall, and. the side walls of said second section having their rear ends turned outwardly and forwardly to enter the channels in the first mentioned side walls, sealing means in saidchannels, and means within, one of said (adjacent sections to exert pressure on thetwo sections in opposite directions to compress said sealing means.

3. A collapsible boat comprising a plurality of telescoping sections each having bottom and side walls, adjacent sections having at their adjacent ends interlocking parts to connect said sections in their extended positions, sealing means between said interlocking parts, and extensible means removably supported in one section of each pair of adjacent sections to engage opposed parts ends interlocking parts to connect said sections in their extended positions, sealing means between said interlocking parts, and separately operable extensible devices interposed between the two sections of the respective pairs of adja- H cent sections, each device comprising two parts hinged one to the other and adapted to engage opposed portions of said adjacent sections and of such length that when said parts are moved into alinement they will press the interlocking parts of said sections into tight sealing relation one to the other.

5. A collapsible boat comprising a plurality of telescoping sections each having bottom and side walls, adjacent sections having at their adjacent ends interlocking parts to connect said sections in their extended positions, sealing means between said interlocking parts, and separately operable extensible devices removably supported between the two sections of the respective pairs of adjacent sections, each device comprising two parts hinged one to the other and adapted to engage opposed portions of said adjacent sections and of such length that when said parts are moved into alinement they will press the interlocking parts of said sections into tight sealing relation one to the other.

6. A collapsible boat comprising a plurality of telescoping sections each having bottom and side walls, adjacent sections having at their adjacent ends interlocking parts to connect said sections in their extended positions, and floor boards for the respective sections, each comprising two members hinged one to the other and of a width approximating the width of said section, said floor board when flexed being engageable with opposed parts of said adjacent sections and being of such length that the movement of said members into a common plane will secure said interlocking parts in sealing relation one to the other.

7. A collapsible boat comprising a plurality of telescoping sections each having bottom and side walls, adjacent sections having at their adjacent ends interlocking parts to connect said sections in their extended positions, sealing means betwee nsaid interlocking parts, separately operable extensible devices interposed between the two sections of the respective pairs of adjacent sections, each device comprising two parts: hinged one to the other and adapted to engage opposed portions of said adjacent sections and of such length that when said parts are moved into alinement they will press the interlocking parts of said sections into tight sealing relation one tothe other, and means for locking said parts of said device against relatively pivotal movement.

8. A collapsible boat comprising a plurality of telescoping sections each having bottom and side walls, adjacent sections having at their adjacent ends interlocking parts to connect said sections in their extended positions, and removable floor boards for the respective sections, each compris- "ihg two members hinged one to the other and of a width approximating the width of said section, said floor board when flexed being engagein their extended positions, sealing means between said interlocking parts, a device removably supported between two of said sections and comprising two parts hinged one to the other and adapted to engage opposed portions of said sections and of such length that when said parts are moved into alinement they will press the interlocking parts of said sections into tight sealing relation one to the other, means for locking said parts of said device against relatively pivotal movement, and inter-engaging parts permanently secured respectively to said device and to the bottom wall of said section to prevent the upward movement of said device, one of said parts being operable from above said device to engage and disengage the same from the other of said parts.

10. A collapsible boat comprising a plurality of telescoping sections each having bottom and side walls the side walls of adjacent sections having end portions movable into interlocking engagement one with the other, the bottom wall of each of two adjacent sections having at one end an upwardly extending flange and having at its other end a raised portion having a downwardly facing channel to receive the flange of an adjacent section, a floor board for one of said sections comprising two parts hinged one to the other on an axis transverse to the boat, and having front and rear end portions to engage respectively the raised portions of the bottom walls of the section in which it is located and of an adjacent section, and to exert pressure thereon when said parts of said floor board are in a common plane.

11. A collapsible boat comprising an elongate body divided transversely into a plurality of sections, each section having a bottom wall and upright side walls, and the front and rear sections having respectively a front wall and a rear wall, said sections decreasing in Width progressively from one end of said body to the other end thereof to enable each smaller section to .be moved-longitudinally into the adjacent larger section, the bottom and side walls of adjacent sections having at [the adjacent'ends thereof :opposediparts arranged to have interlocking .engagement when sa-idlsections are fullyextended, .sealing means between said interlocking parts, and means for exerting pressure on two of said sections in opposite directions to fully extend said sections.

.12. -A collapsible boat comprising .an elongate "body divided transverselylinto a plurality ofv sections, each section having a bottom wall and lnpr ight side walls, and the front and rear sections "having respectively a .front'wall and aarear wall, saidsections decreasing in widthproges- .sive1y from one end .oisaid body to the other .end thereofto enable each smaller section -.-to he moved longitudinally into the adjacent 'larger :section, the bottom and side walls of adjacent sections having at the adjacent ends thereof opposed .parts arranged to have interlocking-engagement when said sections are fully extended, sealing ineans between said interlockingv parts, and toggle means interposed between vand engaging two of said sections to move the latter .in opposite directions, said toggle means being .unattached to. said sections and removable therefrom when moved to section releasing position.

13. A collapsibleboat comprising an elongate bodydivided transversely into .a plurality ofsece tions, each section having :a bottom wall and upright side walls, and thefront-and rear sectionsehaving respectively a front wall anda rear wall, said sections decreasing in width progressivelyfrom one end of saidbody to the other end-thereof to enable each smaller section to be moved longitudinally into the adjacent larger :section, the bottom and sidewalls of adjacent "sections having at the "adjacent .ends thereof .opposedparts arranged to have interlocking engagement when vsaid .sections are fully extended, sealing -means between said interlocking vparts,

and af'iloor board having membershinged one -.to the other on an axis transverse'to said body andadapted .'to be interposed between opposed par-ts .of two of said sections, said members heli-ng movable longitudinally of said-body with rela- 'tion to said sections and of such dimensions that when-moved into a common :plane they will have :abutting engagement-with said opposed. parts or said sections and exert pressure thereon in on- ,posite directions to establish rigid sealed con- .nection betweensaid sections.

CLARENCE R. JONES.

REFERENCES CITED Theiollowing references are of record in the *file of patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 

